Skip to content

Let us remind ourselves of the terminology. A theist…

“Let us remind ourselves of the terminology. A theist believes in a supernatural intelligence who, in addition to his main work of creating the universe in the first place, is still around to oversee and influence the subsequent fate of his initial creation. In many theistic belief systems, the…” quote by Richard Dawkins
Download Open image
““Let us remind ourselves of the terminology. A theist believes in a supernatural intelligence who, in addition to his main work of creating the universe in the first place, is still around to oversee and influence the subsequent fate of his initial creation. In many theistic belief systems, the deity is intimately involved in human affairs. He answers prayers; forgives or punishes sins; intervenes in the world by performing miracles; frets about good and bad deeds, and knows when we do them (or even think about doing them). A deist, too, believes in a supernatural intelligence, but one whose activities were confined to setting up the laws that govern the universe in the first place. The deist God never intervenes thereafter, and certainly has no specific interest in human affairs. Pantheists don't believe in a supernatural God at all, but use the word God as a non-supernatural synonym for Nature, or for the Universe, or for the lawfulness that governs its workings. Deists differ from theists in that their God does not answer prayers, is not interested in sins or confessions, does not read our thoughts and does not intervene with capricious miracles. Deists differ from pantheists in that the deist God is some kind of cosmic intelligence, rather than the pantheist's metaphoric or poetic synonym for the laws of the universe. Pantheism is sexed-up atheism. Deism is watered-down theism.””

Richard Dawkins

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The passage contrasts belief systems: theism sees an active, intervening deity; deism views a non‑intervening creator; pantheism equates God with nature, lacking supernatural agency.

In simple terms: Theists, deists, and pantheists differ in how they view divine involvement.

Key Takeaway

Recognize how definitions shape religious identity.

Themes

theology belief systems philosophy

Mood

analytical neutral thoughtful

Type

philosophical explanatory

When to use this quote

  • academic discussion
  • interfaith dialogue
  • personal belief formation
  • educational curricula
  • public policy debates

Key Concepts

deism theism pantheism cosmic intelligence naturalism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do these definitions affect moral responsibility?
  • What role does personal experience play in choosing a belief?
A Different Perspective

Deist view may overlook personal spiritual experiences that theists value.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Richard Dawkins

Explore all 1,239 Richard Dawkins quotes

More Atheist quotes

Browse all 2,434 Atheist quotes